2007-07-08 04:00:00 PDT Las Vegas -- Lost in Marco Belinelli's coming out party Saturday was a solid effort by Warriors incumbent Kelenna Azubuike, who strengthened his bid to return to Oakland next season with 29 points, six rebounds and two assists against the Hornets.

The former D-leaguer shouldn't be far from signing the first multi-year deal of his career after playing for the league minimum last season, and there's no debate as to which team he'd like to be a part of.

"I love Golden State," Azubuike said after helping the Warriors rally to a 110-102 opening win. "This is the funnest team I've been on, the best coach I've ever had and all that."

Mike Higgins, Azubuike's agent, made the rounds with Golden State officials and coach Don Nelson on Saturday and anticipated more conversations later this week. Higgins said his client is drawing interest from other teams, but as a restricted free agent, the Warriors have the right to match any offer he receives.

It appears more likely that the two sides will work out a deal this summer. "I'm not worried," Higgins said.

Perovic watches, waits: Though centerKosta Perovic still isn't officially signed, he looked every bit a Warrior in his team shirt and warm-ups after arriving from Serbia the night before.

Perovic, the Warriors' second-round pick in 2006, is closing in on a multi-year deal and will not play in summer league, but looked forward to beginning training camp this fall.

"I'm pretty excited," said Perovic, who took in the game with fellow Serb Zarko Cabarkapa. "It's always been my dream to come here and play in the NBA. I've been working really hard in Europe, we won the (Serbian League) championships, and now I'm ready."

Briefly: Top rookie Brandan Wright doesn't anticipate suiting up for the Warriors during summer league as he rests his strained hip flexor. "I probably won't play in this at all," he said Saturday. ... Center Patrick O'Bryant came on strong in the fourth quarter to finish with 10 rebounds and three points in 28 minutes while guard Pierre Pierce added 21 points. ... Second-round pick Stephane Lasme sprained his right knee by colliding with Josh Powell in the second quarter and did not return.